henrik lundqvist reflects on Olympic media role, Sweden's loss and memories of Tortorella
Henrik Lundqvist, the newly inducted Hall of Famer now working in the broadcast booth at the Winter Olympics, has been candid about what it feels like to trade goalie pads for a microphone. In recent on-air appearances on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), he spoke about his experience covering the Games, his take on Sweden’s narrow 2–1 defeat to the United States and the lasting lessons from his years playing under intense coaching styles.
From goaltender to commentator: adapting to the Olympic media role
Lundqvist described the transition from player to analyst as energizing, even when it means confronting different pressures. He said the job demands a blend of technical insight and storytelling — translating in-ice details for viewers while capturing the human side of the tournament. The Olympic setting, he added, offers unique access to teammates and rivals, and it has given him a fresh vantage point on how national teams prepare and respond in short, high-stakes tournaments.
He emphasized the importance of perspective: having been inside the rink, he can empathize with athletes' emotions in tense moments, but being in the broadcast position forces him to step back and evaluate systems, timing and execution. Lundqvist also noted the challenge of balancing candid critique with respect for players still competing, saying that professionalism and timing matter when dissecting plays during an event that carries so much weight for nations and players alike.
Immediate reactions to Sweden’s 2–1 loss to the United States
Lundqvist called the result "disappointing" but reserved praise for the team’s character, especially in the closing minutes. He pointed to a recurring issue: it was difficult for Sweden to fashion high-quality scoring chances against a well-organized opponent. Even so, he said the late-game push demonstrated belief and resilience.
On the tactical side, he highlighted that tight Olympic games often come down to small margins — shot selection, puck management and special teams. He urged viewers and followers not to read too much into a single result in a condensed tournament format, while acknowledging how gutting narrow losses can feel for players and fans alike. For Lundqvist, the role in the booth has reinforced how quickly momentum swings in international play and how critical in-game adjustments become.
On John Tortorella and the value of tough coaching
Lundqvist reflected on his years under coaches known for high energy and tough love. Discussing one such coach, he described a relationship that could include sharp exchanges but was built on mutual respect. "We had a couple of run-ins, " he said, "but a really good coach knows how hard to push a player and still trust that the player can handle it. "
He praised the capacity of strong coaches to generate a fight-or-flight energy before games — moments that can galvanize a locker room. Lundqvist acknowledged that the approach doesn’t suit everyone and that discomfort in an environment can be part of the process, but for him those experiences provided motivation and helped craft a competitive mindset.
Looking ahead, Lundqvist signaled he intends to keep developing his voice in the media landscape while remaining close to the sport. His move behind the microphone has given him fresh duties but the same competitive instincts: read the game, seek improvement and respect the people who helped shape his career.
